A Christmas Carol Stave 1 (Marley's Ghost) Vocabulary

caustic

(adj.) able to burn or eat away by chemical action; biting, sarcastic

resolute

(adj.) bold, determined; firm

rapture

A state of great joy, delight, or love

congeal

Change from liquid to solid

stave

The use of the word stave here refers to songs (in order to make the reader more aware of the relevance of the title (Christmas Carol--in reference to songs sung at Christmas time).

multitude

a large indefinite number

executor

a man appointed by the will of a deceased person to carry out the provisions thereof and settle the estate

trifle

a thing of little value or importance

solitary

alone

garret

an attic

entreaty

an earnest or humble request

intimation

an indication or hint

implore

beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something

lunatic

crazy person

covetous

desiring something owned by another

misanthropic

disliking humankind and avoiding human society

credentials

documents, letters, references, etc., that inspire belief or trust

impropriety

improper conduct; bad manners

unhallowed

not sacred, wicked, sinful, evil

legatee

one who inherits personal property under a will

tremulous

shaking or quivering slightly

ominous

threatening

replenish

to fill up again